Episode 84: Dental Habits & Emergencies Stay Calm and Save

Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (0:00 – 0:31)

Hello and welcome to another OptiSmile Podcast. I’m Eon and today’s episode is all about habits, emergencies and staying calm when it matters most. Dr Clifford Yudelman is here with us with 10 vital questions about habits to break, emergencies to handle, and simple steps to keep your care affordable and your smile healthy, no matter what life throws at you. Dr Yudelman, welcome back.

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (0:31 – 0:38)

Thanks for having me back. Great to chat to you again and to do podcast number 84. Wow.

Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (0:38 – 0:46)

My first question to you today: how do nail biting and chewing ice really end up costing you at the dentist?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (0:46 – 1:56)

Our overriding theme is save your money and save your teeth. If you bite your nails and chew ice, it’s like drilling away or chipping at your teeth. Every nibble, every crunch creates microcracks, and that adds up to chips, fractures, or even splitting your tooth.

We did a whole podcast on ice chewing and one on nail biting. If you split a tooth, there’s nothing one can do; you have to pull it out.

Often you then need an implant which can cost 30, 40, 50,000 Rand, so it becomes a very expensive piece of ice. Try to avoid that.

If you can, swap these habits for sugar-free gum or get yourself one of those little stress balls that you squeeze, or spinners — although those calm people down, they tend to annoy everyone else! You’ll save not only your teeth but also a lot of money.

Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (1:56 – 2:03)

Doctor, what is the quickest way to handle a cracked or chipped tooth at home before you actually go and see your dentist?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (2:04 – 3:02)

We did a podcast about expert tips for gentle emergencies. Stay calm, rinse with warm salt water, take a photo with your front camera and flash, zoom in and have a look. Sometimes it feels worse with your tongue.

If it’s at the back — usually a side tooth, a lower molar near your tongue or an upper premolar on the inside, especially if it has a large filling — avoid biting on that area. You can get dental wax from a pharmacy like Dis-Chem.

Call your dentist or give us a call if we’re your dentist. With fast action, if we see you the same or next day, it can be a minor fix. If you wait, you risk infection or something more costly and invasive. Prevention and promptness are your best friends.

Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (3:02 – 3:08)

Why is it risky to ignore a toothache and just hope it will go away on its own?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (3:08 – 3:47)

We did one on understanding toothaches. Pain is your body’s alarm bell; once it rings, there’s always a reason. Delay lets decay or infection deepen — a simple filling might become a root canal, or worse, tooth loss.

Treat toothaches early to save money and avoid pain and hassle. Don’t gamble with your teeth — book in or call OptiSmile to check it out.

Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (3:48 – 3:54)

How does stress contribute to costly dental issues like teeth grinding?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (3:55 – 4:55)

Grinding your teeth is destructive, not only to your teeth but also to your jaw. Stress is a hidden enemy. We did a podcast on understanding bruxism and TMJ disorders.

TMJ is your temporomandibular joint, and bruxism is the dental term for clenching or grinding. That episode runs about half an hour.

Grinding wears down enamel, breaks fillings, and cracks teeth. It also causes jaw pain. Many people don’t realise they grind until the damage is advanced.

If you’re under pressure or wake with jaw stiffness, a dentist can check for signs and suggest a night guard or bite plate to protect your teeth and jaw.

Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (4:56 – 5:02)

What are the steps to avoid panicking and overspending when you’re in a dental emergency?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (5:02 – 6:50)

We did a podcast called Expert Tips for Dental Emergencies. Always stop, breathe, assess, and save any bits or broken pieces. If you’ve lost a crown, don’t wrap it in a tissue — you’ll throw it away. For bleeding, use a clean washcloth and bite for at least five minutes.

Things often look worse when there’s blood. Once it stops, you can assess better. A small cut can bleed heavily, but if it’s deep, you might need stitches at the emergency room. Most ERs in South Africa have an oral surgeon on call for major accidents. Don’t panic.

If it can wait till morning, avoid costly after-hours callouts. ER visits are expensive too. It’s best to have your own regular dentist.

All OptiSmile patients have my number and can reach me 24/7, even if I’m away. Our other dentists also share their numbers so patients always know who to contact.

Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (6:51 – 6:56)

For those playing contact sports, how can you protect your mouth from damage?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (6:57 – 8:16)

In that podcast, we shared stories of patients who avoided breakages thanks to custom mouth guards. Some pharmacy mouth guards don’t fit well, especially if not moulded properly. My son is a professional boxer, and even at pro fights, I’ve seen bouts stopped because of ill-fitting mouth guards.

At that level, they should use a professional dentist-made mouth guard. If it doesn’t fit properly, it won’t protect teeth or prevent concussions. Sports like rugby, boxing, martial arts, and hockey all need proper guards.

The best ones are made from a 3D scan using a 3D scanner — they fit beautifully.

Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (8:16 – 8:23)

How can dry mouth from medication put you at risk for more dental expenses?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (8:24 – 9:43)

In Medicines and Your Mouth (Podcast 75), we explained that many medications cause dry mouth. With less saliva, your risk for decay and gum problems skyrockets. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about medication side effects.

Drink plenty of water, keep your mouth moist, and use special gels to boost comfort and hygiene. The better you manage it, the fewer big dental bills you’ll face.

My late dad had his salivary glands removed due to cancer, and even with good hygiene, he later developed many cavities because of dryness. Always treat dry mouth early if possible.

Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (9:44 – 9:49)

Are there over-the-counter products that are a waste of money for most patients?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (9:50 – 11:11)

Yes. Many over-the-counter whitening products don’t work. We’ve done several podcasts on whitening. Patients often buy every new mouth rinse or kit from pharmacies. In South Africa, they can’t sell the professional-grade hydrogen peroxide — only licensed dentists can. Beauty salons can’t either. They use vague, often acidic ingredients that can harm enamel.

Whitening toothpastes are mostly abrasive and expensive. Over a year or two, all those purchases add up. You’re better off doing proper whitening at your dentist. Always check first.

Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (11:11 – 11:19)

What oral signs mean you need to see a dentist fast, and what’s okay to wait on?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (11:19 – 12:31)

In our Wisdom Teeth podcast (Episode 11), we talked about red flag symptoms: severe pain, swelling, or heavy bleeding need urgent care. Minor sensitivity or small chips can usually wait a week or two. If unsure, call your dental practice.

If you don’t have a regular dentist you trust, ask friends or check Google reviews. We even did a podcast on how to find a good dentist. A quick chat can calm you and prevent stress.

Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (12:31 – 12:38)

Can diet play a major role in keeping your dental bills down?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (12:39 – 13:07)

Absolutely. Diet is a huge secret weapon for dental and financial health. Reduce sugary snacks, eat crunchy veggies, and stay hydrated. These protect enamel and gums far more effectively than fancy gadgets or mouthwashes. Your mouth, body, and wallet will all thank you.

Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (13:08 – 13:15)

Dr Yudelman, thank you so much once again for a very insightful podcast.

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (13:15 – 14:30)

My pleasure. I’ve got some references here — previous podcasts we mentioned so people can find them easily:

• Parafunctional Habits & Ice Chewing – Episode 59
• Expert Tips for Dental Emergencies – Episode 46
• Understanding Bruxism & TMJ Disorders – Episode 41
• Medicines & Your Mouth – Episode 75
• Teeth Whitening Tips & Advice – Episode 34
• Hydration & Oral Health – Episode 65
• Wisdom Teeth – Episode 11
• Understanding Toothaches – Episode 12
• General Dentistry & Preventive Care – Episode 2
  
  

Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (14:30 – 14:33)

Fantastic. Dr Yudelman, thank you so much once again.

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (14:33 – 14:36)

Pleasure. Speak to you next week.

Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (14:36 – 15:18)

For more step-by-step guidance, you can book your comprehensive 90minute digital consultation at OptiSmile or take advantage of a free video consultation. Book anytime via WhatsApp or OptiSmile.co.za. Remember, while we strive to provide valuable insights, always consult your own dental professional for personalised advice. Like, subscribe, and share this episode with friends, family, and colleagues who want to stay in control of their smiles and dental costs. Until next time — stay healthy, stay calm, and keep smiling with OptiSmile.